Before you arrive
Have your signed lease, proof of your deposit payment, and your key pickup instructions saved and ready. Bring your passport or ID, and any university documents you will need. If you are coming from abroad, check what your home country and Poland require for your stay before you travel.
Getting into the city
Poznań's airport and main train station are both close to the centre and well connected by public transport and taxis. Apps like Google Maps and the local transport app show you routes and times. Keep some cash and a contactless card handy for your first day.
Setting up the basics
A few things make daily life easier from day one: a Polish SIM card (easy to buy at the airport, a kiosk or a phone shop), a public transport ticket or app for trams and buses, and, if you are staying longer, a Polish bank account. Your university's international office can point you to student-friendly options.
Registration and formalities
Depending on your nationality and how long you stay, you may need to register your address, get a PESEL number, or apply for a residence card. The rules change and depend on your situation, so check the current requirements with your university's international office or the local office (urząd) rather than relying on hearsay. Keep copies of your lease and documents, you will often need them.
Settling into your home
Walk through your room or flat, check that everything matches the handover, and report anything that is not right straight away, in your tenant panel or with a message. Find your nearest shop, tram stop and pharmacy, and say hello to your flatmates if you are sharing.
Where to get help
You are not on your own. citymate answers in Polish and English for anything about your tenancy. Your university's international office helps with student and formal matters. And the city has plenty of student groups and online communities happy to welcome a newcomer.